Support for Minority Languages in the European Union *
Analytical Framework and Strategic Options for the Community Action
This is a joint project between ECMI and the European Bureau of Lesser Used Languages, also involving other partners. The overall aim of the study is to review information and develop analytical tools required in order to define a strategy for cost-effective minority language promotion within the European Union. The commission for this project was won through competitive tender with the EU.
The study sets out to review available experience and develop a set of targeted analytical instruments for the European Commission and other actors involved in the formulation of community actions in favour of regional or minority languages (RMLs). In addition to theoretical and empirical evaluation of language programmes, it proposes an inventory of other programmes, which do not target language issues exclusively but have been, or can be, of relevance to the support for RMLs and the communities that use them.
Substantial effort is put into building on the most recent research in order to develop methods for the cost-effectiveness evaluation of actions directed at RMLs in different situations. Although the primary focus is on the efficient allocation of resources, the distributive dimensions will be addressed as well. Through a series of studies on selected cases of policy experience, the project proposes to develop indicators that can be applied for the evaluation of future policy proposals.
Three types of typologies will be developed in a parallel, yet interrelated fashion. A first typology is structured with respect to the ex ante goals and ex post effects of programmes and actions carried out to date. A second typology is developed in terms of the characteristics of linguistic communities, with particular reference to their specific support needs and the appropriate measures to meet those needs. Finally, a third typology of language communities is developed with respect to forms of community action, in order to assist in the definition (and limitation of scope) of legally acceptable, organizationally sustainable and cost-effective language policies.
This project is led by Professor Tom Moring, Secretary General, EBLUL and Dr François Grin, Senior Fellow, ECMI, and also involves Marguerite Sitthy on behalf of ECMI. It is fully funded by the European Commission.
Practice-oriented Projects
OMC Programme *
Meskhetian Turks Project *
Framework Convention *
Complex Power-Sharing *
Language Politics in Transition Countries *
Implementation of Minority Rights Standards *
Political Participation
Ethnic Democracy in Europe *
Evaluating Policy Measures for Minority Languages *
Support for Minority Languages in the European Union *
Educational Policy and Minorities: Pilot Project Ukraine *
Minority Governance Concepts *
